In some cases, the initial medical treatment for neck injuries in a car accident is prescription pain medicine and a neck brace, however, this method only proves to be a Band-Aid and does not correct the actual injury.
When physical therapy is introduced as a treatment option, the damaged tissue has a chance to be strengthened and repaired. Even in minor injuries, patients will benefit greatly from a physical therapy regime.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
There are many different injuries that can occur due to car accidents, all of which need to be treated and diagnosed by a medical professional. Most common auto injuries are:
- Whiplash
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruising
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken ribs, arms, legs, or shoulders
- Burns
- Head injuries, such as concussions
- Herniated discs or other spine damage
- Knee injuries
When To Start Treatment
Physical therapy can begin any time following your injury. After your appointment with your doctor and your injuries are assessed, your doctor will suggest physical therapy as well as the length of time they feel you could benefit from the treatment. If treatment is prolonged, there is a good chance of long term damage and possibly chronic pain down the road.
The muscles and joints are commonly affected in whiplash injuries however, what many may not know is that your neurological system can also be affected. This is the system that controls your balance and how your eyes move. If treatment is not sought right away, studies have shown that damage can occur to this system.
What to Expect After a Car Accident
Pain is most commonly experienced by most car accident victims ranging from mild to severe. Even those that walk away feeling like they are fine, may experience some level of pain in the coming days. Follow up with your doctor if you begin experiencing any new symptoms or worsening pain as this could be a sign of something more serious. Soreness, stiffness, pain in the neck and shoulders, bruising, and pain in the back and abdominal area are possible.
Whiplash Symptoms
A common injury that occurs after car accidents, whiplash is an injury to the neck area that results from a sudden and forceful snapping motion. Symptoms of whiplash include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness and nausea
- Numbness
- Problems with vision
- Neck stiffness and soreness
- Difficulty moving head or neck
- Pain in the shoulder area
Long Term Symptoms of Whiplash Injury
Studies have shown that whiplash victims show symptoms even three years after the initial accident. Scheduling physical therapy right away can help to avoid this type of long term pain and many years of spending unnecessary time in doctor’s offices. Pain medications and home remedies may treat the symptoms for a while, however, they are not permanent solutions. Physical therapy allows your body the ability to obtain a full recovery from your accident injuries and whiplash.
Our Atlanta chiropractors are highly skilled car accident injury doctors and are ready to assess and treat your auto accident injury. We pride ourselves on helping patients recover while providing quality care. Contact us today at (404) 889-8828 to schedule an appointment.